The term “smart city” is something of a buzz term, but what does it actually mean? In this extended video interview, Bauke de Vries of TU Eindhoven in the Netherlands introduces some key concepts and explains why we need to seek innovative solutions for our built environments. De Vries, a researcher with a focus on sustainability, describes how academics are working with local authorities and commercial companies to create “smarter” urban infrastructures in the Netherlands. Among the projects is the Brainport Smart District – a testbed for smart city concepts in the Brandevoort neighbourhood near Helmond.